Lets Learn physics like "A" students

Hi everyone..lately there are quite number of students asked me these questions;
-How to learn physics??
-How to improve my physics??
-How can i get A for physics??
So i think its time for me to share something about the art of learning physics..
Basically all those questions have the same purpose, i.e to learn, understand & perform in exam.


In studying physics, it is essential to develop an ability to analyse problems, to give logic reason, and to differentiate between important and irrelevant material. You should start to train your analytical thinking skills by practicing simple problems, so that later on you can tackle more difficult problems. However,please take note.. trying to memorise physics is practically useless!!


In order to understand physics stuff properly, it needs patient and gonna take some time. For me, learning physics is easier if you have a group of ‘physics friends’ in a study group. Trust me,cooperative learning can be really powerful & it would save most of your time. BUT..please find someone who really want to discuss physics..not someone who love gossiping each other...


"Identifying the DONTS"
A common misunderstanding in studying physics , most students focused too much on calculation questions.
Physics in SPM is not just solving maths problems, although this is an essential part of ‘doing physics’.

A common approach to ‘solving’ problems is to read the question, look for an equation that seems to apply, ‘plug’ some values into the equation and do the maths to ‘swallow out an answer’. You may get the ‘right’ answer without the brain being fully engaged, and therefore u learned very little from the process.

Physics is not simply abaout plugging the values & substituted it to get the right answers.U must actually understand the relationship between each physical quantity in the equation. Usually each equation or formula  came from an experiment conclusion.. but ask yourself,do u know how to design those experiments???

Dont simply Memorise!!!

You may try to memorise all the patterns of sample problems, hoping that similar problems will be asked on the exams. Memorisation does not equal to understanding.  In SPM they loved to twist the questions..So if u simply applies memorising technique, then u'll be in big trouble during exam.

Dont simply follow examples!!

You must be able to follow a set of instructions correctly and intelligently. However, if you find you can only solve problems by following the pattern of a worked-example problem, you obviously have not yet grabbed the basics. You should think again about the basic concepts & principles – or ask for some help. The problems on an exam will be different from the examples worked in class and in the textbook, yet the same strategies and principles will work.

Learn like 'A' students...

To get an "A"..mainly it’s a matter of focusing on the right things. You may think that the only important thing is getting the ‘right’ answer. Teachers, of course, like ‘right’ answers, but beyond that, 'A' students focus on the process of using basic principles of physics to correctly analyse each physical situation.

When you achieve genuine understanding of basic principles and laws, the answers often come easily. Getting right answers with ease is a good indication that you understand the basics. Genuine understanding needs to come first, then continuous practise on solving problems will strengthen  that understanding.

So how can you achieve genuine understanding?

• Do critical thinking..Question everything, especially things that seem obvious.
• Always ask yourself, where does the equation comes from?. Is it from an Experiment or Theory?
• Look for the logical and mathematical connections between equations, laws, theories and experiments. Using a ‘Concept Map’ might help..
• Don’t be too easily satisfied with a correct answer. Ask yourself what that answer tells you.
• Discuss what u've understood with teachers, tutors and fellow students.
• Do exercises.. keep practise, practise & practise :)